Category Archives: Romantic Drama

2014 Films, Drama, Fantasy, Gothic, Independent, Independent Drama, Romantic Drama, Vampire

Only Lovers Left Alive-2014

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Only Lovers Left Alive-2014

Director Jim Jarmusch

Starring Tilda Swinton, Tom Hiddleston

Scott’s Review #237

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Reviewed April 24, 2015

Grade: B

Only Lovers Left Alive (2014) is a bizarre trip into the strange and unusual world of vampires.

The film moves slowly but becomes hypnotic, drawing me into the plot, though the plot itself seems almost secondary to the film’s gothic mood and dark ambiance.

Thanks to the wonderful Tilda Swinton, who I find mesmerizing in every film role she appears in, the methodical film never completely bored me and, at times, even fascinated me.

Set in the present, Swinton and Tom Hiddleston play vampires named Adam and Eve, lovers separated by distance. Adam is a musician living in a vast Victorian house in Detroit, and Eve resides in Tangier.

Realizing that Adam is lonely and suicidal, Eve makes the international trek to the United States to be with her love.

As they settle into a quiet existence immersed in music and thought, Eve’s rebellious sister, Ava (Mia Wasikowska), from Los Angeles wreaks havoc on their lives.

Also in the film is John Hurt, who plays Marlowe, an ancient vampire who assists Adam and Eve, who succumbs to sickness from tainted blood.

The film is a creative, atmospheric offering from edgy independent film director Jim Jarmusch, known for left-of-center fare like Broken Flowers (2005) and Coffee and Cigarettes (2003), both visual and visceral achievements.

While I didn’t completely love this film, I felt the story is its weakest point; the magical, beautiful arrangements almost make up for it.

Set entirely at night (when vampires are awake) and featuring several shots of Adam and Eve posed naked or almost naked in lovely, artistic angles, I think the film aims as much for a “look” as for storytelling and doesn’t fully center on the plot.

It is also a lovely romantic film, though not in the typical sense of silly misunderstandings and comical moments, but rather in romantic artistry, as Adam and Eve connect spiritually.

Married hundreds of years ago, Adam and Eve have been inexplicably separated by thousands of miles and coasts, though the reason is not explained.

Why are they the few remaining vampires alive? Does the human race know they are vampires or think they are odd-looking people?

They both have money to burn and pay a high cost for being vampires, as they either pay a contact to steal blood from hospitals to survive or obtain the blood elsewhere.

They are tempted to bite humans but resist those urges.

The film doesn’t explain why they are two of the few vampires left in the world, or answer other questions. Adam, supposedly a famous musician, is wealthy beyond words and lives in a haunted-looking mansion surrounded by music and musical instruments.

The plot holes, of course, are secondary to me. None of them matter.

The film has beautiful moments; it is musically centered, and Adam and Eve share tender dances on more than one occasion. The film is a pure love story, but a very left-of-center one.

I admire the film’s creativity and its willingness to go where most filmmakers dare not. Jarmusch dares to be different and deserves much praise.

My main critique is the pacing; the story barely matters, as the film feels more like an art experience than a “mainstream” film with a strong plot and focus.

Only Lovers Left Alive (2014) is a different type of film and one worth admiring.

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: Best Female Lead-Tilda Swinton, Best Screenplay

2014 Films, Biography, Drama, Romantic Drama

The Theory of Everything-2014

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The Theory of Everything-2014

Director James Marsh

Starring Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones

Scott’s Review #199

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Reviewed December 2, 2014

Grade: A-

The Theory of Everything (2014) tells the uplifting true story of renowned theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking (played by Eddie Redmayne) and his lifelong battle with a debilitating illness- motor neuron disease, which he was diagnosed with in college.

He and his future wife, literature student Jane Wilde (played by Felicity Jones), meet in 1963 at the prestigious Cambridge University in England and fall madly in love.

From there, the film follows their lifelong love affair and Stephen’s subsequent health battles.

Redmayne is wonderful in the lead role.

Portraying a character with both speech and mobility deterioration is not an easy task, especially as the problems become worse and worse over time, forcing the actor to express varying levels of disability.

Redmayne rises to the occasion with both believability and conviction, making his portrayal as real as possible.

The performance fondly reminded me of another great physical performance, Daniel Day-Lewis in My Left Foot from 1989.

Redmayne is a rising star in Hollywood.

Felicity Jones is also good, though I feel many actresses could have handled the role, and her part has less meat than Redmayne’s.

The rest of the cast is British, which makes the film feel authentic. Emily Watson, who plays Jane’s mother, shamefully receives only one scene. Was this talented actress’s role cut?

I get the sense the filmmakers had Oscar in mind, as the film is geared toward mainstream audiences with a wholesome slant.

The film skims past the complex theories and mathematical aspects and focuses more on the inspirational tale of a person overcoming an immense challenge.

Furthermore, the subsequent quadrangle between Hawking, Jane, Jane’s choir leader (Jonathan), and Hawking’s nurse (Elaine) is toned down and sanitized.

Hawking’s family accused his nurse of abusing him, which is never mentioned in the film.

The film presents their relationship as wonderful, so some facts have clearly been softened or omitted altogether, for a more moral feel.

The situation involving the four real-life characters is messy, but the film makes it seem sweet. Presumably, this is because all the characters are still alive.

This is an interesting aspect of the film and is less a criticism than a perception. Many films embellish reality for entertainment value.

The pairing of Jane and Jonathan seemed inevitable from the moment they met. They had much in common (religion), whereas Stephen and Jane were complete opposites- she was catholic, he was an atheist.

The sexual chemistry between Stephen and Elaine was evident from the moment they met. Elaine’s energetic sexiness contrasts sharply with Jane’s haggard, weary look at that point in the film.

The film isn’t designed to be a downer, as it could have been. The focus might have been sadder. Rather, it is sentimental and empowering.

The Theory of Everything (2014) is a heartwarming, conventional human story about a man rising above adversity, and at its center is a dynamic performance by Eddie Redmayne.

Oscar Nominations: 1 win-Best Picture, Best Actor-Eddie Redmayne (won), Best Actress-Felicity Jones, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Score

2014 Films, Drama, Independent, Independent Drama, LGBTQ+ Drama, LGBTQ+ Films, New York City, Romantic Drama

Love Is Strange-2014

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Love Is Strange-2014

Director Ira Sachs

Starring John Lithgow, Alfred Molina

Scott’s Review #174

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Reviewed September 24, 2014

Grade: B

Love Is Strange (2014) is sweet, though not nauseatingly sentimental, and explores many different types of relationships; at the forefront is the same-sex couple Ben and George, played by John Lithgow and Alfred Molina, respectively.

They are a successful New York City couple of a certain age, together for nearly thirty years, and finally legally wed in a low-key ceremony surrounded by friends and family.

George teaches music at a strict Catholic high school where the students and staff know and love him and his new husband.

The bishop doesn’t support his marriage, and he’s fired unceremoniously.

This causes Ben and George to become homeless and rely on family and friends for a roof over their heads.

The film features several secondary character relationships.

Ben’s nephew and wife balance busy careers with a temperamental, rebellious, confused son; Ben’s niece from Poughkeepsie seems neurotic.

Neighbors who are gay police couples have loud parties seemingly every night.

Marisa Tomei, who plays Ben’s niece by marriage, Kate, and Charlie Tahan, who plays Joey, Ben’s great-nephew, are probably the most prominent in the supporting cast.

While well-meaning and accommodating, Kate bottles up her anger and comforts herself with nightly red wine.

Joey lashes out at his great-uncle in frustration, criticizing his artwork and scolding him for using his teen friend in a portrait, a friend whose sexuality is unclear.

Most other characters are not fleshed out well and are there to move the plot along. This is slightly disappointing. I would have preferred a bit more backstory regarding the rest of the cast.

Throughout the film, a few clues about Joey and his friend’s sexuality surface, but they don’t go beyond the surface.

I was curious about the cop’s backstory. How long have they been together? Do they face conflict at work?

Numerous scenes show both cops in uniform running errands or visiting the hospital, which seems to emphasize that cops can be masculine and gay, a fact I love, yet the characters are one-dimensional.

Why is Ben’s niece neurotic? The film doesn’t pursue this at all.

The film belongs to Lithgow and Molina.

The two have such effortless, natural chemistry that the audience instantly believes they have been together for decades. The fact that Lithgow and Molina are lifelong friends in real life surely adds to the realism and naturalness.

Ben is the yin to George’s yang. Lithgow and Molina’s performances are so understated and calming that you might overlook how excellent they are, since they are both low-key characters.

Love Is Strange (2014) is a film about strength, courage, loyalty, and perseverance through life’s challenges.

It is a sensitive and lovely film.

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: Best Feature, Best Male Lead-John Lithgow, Best Supporting Male-Alfred Molina, Best Screenplay

2013 Films, Coming-of-Age, Drama, Independent, Independent Drama, Romantic Drama

The Spectacular Now-2013

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The Spectacular Now-2013

Director James Ponsoldt

Starring Miles Teller, Shailene Woodley

Scott’s Review #161

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Reviewed August 29, 2014

Grade: B

The Spectacular Now (2013) is a coming-of-age independent film that follows a romance between two unlikely high school seniors.

Sutter (Miles Teller) is a popular student who takes a shine to smart loner Aimee (Shailene Woodley), and the two develop a strong bond as they each struggle with parental issues while being opposite social types.

She is college-bound and motivated; he lives in the now with no thoughts of the future. But somehow they forge a connection.

The film’s success lies with Teller and Woodley, who each deliver strong performances, and their chemistry is evident.

At first, I didn’t buy Teller as a traditionally popular kid or Woodley as the friendless recluse, but somehow the film works because each has a rooting value.

Sutter’s ex-girlfriend Cassidy, whom he still has feelings for, is played by Brie Larson, and the character is underdeveloped, unnecessary, and not much of a rooting interest for her or competition for the main couple.

Interestingly, alcohol and alcoholism are touched on as the two leads drink quite heavily and regularly for being only eighteen years old, but are glossed over.

I think the film is more about the romance between the two rather than any social issues.

Jennifer Jason Leigh, Kyle Chandler, and Mary Elizabeth Winstead deliver capable supporting performances.

Shailene Woodley received an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Actress, but Miles Teller received no nomination. This surprised me, as I thought he was a bit better than she was and had the meatier role.

The Spectacular Now (2013) is hardly anything groundbreaking, but a nicely told story that is authentic and admirable for a teen film.

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: Best Female Lead-Shailene Woodley, Best Screenplay

1955 Films, Drama, Romantic Drama

All That Heaven Allows-1955

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All That Heaven Allows-1955

Director Douglas Sirk

Starring Rock Hudson, Jane Wyman

Scott’s Review #159

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Reviewed August 26, 2014

Grade: B+

All That Heaven Allows (1955) is a perfect-looking film. Director Douglas Sirk famously dressed his films in a contemporary, stylish fashion. As evidenced by the story in this film, his movies traditionally contain a social aspect.

Affluent socialite Cary falls in love with handsome young gardener Ron, and they face discrimination in a town where status is everything and gossip is rampant.

I love the chemistry between Jane Wyman (Cary) and Rock Hudson (Ron). The small town in New England is so perfect looking- sets, cinematography, that it fits the subject matter perfectly- most of the townspeople live these seemingly perfect lives and look down on anyone with a different outlook or way of living.

There is a feeling oozing from these people that contrasts perfectly with Ron’s open-mindedness and freedom and the conflict Cary faces.

On the one hand, she is passionate about Ron and wants to live with him; on the other, she is unsure if she wants to give up a comfortable, affluent life with perks like a social club and a beautiful house.

The chemistry between the leads is really what makes this film unique.

All That Heaven Allows (1955) influenced one of my favorite films, the masterpiece Far from Heaven (2002), which substituted the age factor for race.

2013 Films, Drama, Independent, Independent Drama, Los Angeles, Romantic Drama, Science Fiction

Her-2013

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Her-2013

Director Spike Jonze

Starring Joaquin Phoenix, Scarlett Johansson

Scott’s Review #147

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Reviewed August 5, 2014

Grade: A-

Her (2013) is a very unique film directed by Spike Jonze.

The film tells the tale of a lonely, depressed man named Theodore, played by Joaquin Phoenix, who lives in a beautiful high-rise in futuristic Los Angeles.

He works as a writer for a company that creates intimate cards for people in relationships.

After a recent divorce, he falls in love with his computerized operating system, Samantha, played by Scarlett Johansson (voice only).

Conflicts emerge as the relationship deepens and intensifies.

This is a uniquely crafted love story, but also a story of loneliness and the world of technology we now live in.

It portrays human relationships as troubled and unsuccessful, yet several characters have wonderful relationships with computers.

Is this what the future may bring for human beings? How many people have fallen in love with a fantasy or a voice on the phone?

The film ponders how technological advances have changed relationships and wonders what will happen further into the future. Technology, while wonderful, has changed our interpersonal relationships, and this film delves deeply into that.

Conversation is a lost art, and Her captures both the joys and tragedies of technology.

Visually, the film is successful because it portrays Los Angeles in a sophisticated, ultra-sleek, modern way that is fascinating.

Several technological games are featured (the Alien child is brilliantly comical), and the “Mom points” are fascinatingly ironic.

Her is a deep film that raises questions, and I applaud this in modern cinema.

Her is a slow-moving film, but a questioning one.

It won the 2013 Best Original Screenplay Oscar, and I am so glad the Academy recognized the film’s originality.

Oscar Nominations: 1 win-Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay (won), Best Original Score, Best Original Song-“The Moon Song”, Best Production Design

2013 Films, Drama, Historical Drama, Romantic Drama

The Great Gatsby-2013

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The Great Gatsby-2013

Director Baz Luhrmann

Starring Tobey Maguire, Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan

Scott’s Review #142

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Reviewed July 29, 2014

Grade: A

Despite mixed reviews, I loved this movie.

Having read the classic novel The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, I was familiar with the story of excess and scandal during one sweltering summer in the well-to-do Long Island, NY, community in the 1920s.

Directed by Baz Luhrmann (Moulin Rouge), I found the film’s look lavish, realistic, and gorgeous—with perfect ambiance and a dreamlike quality.

I loved the casting of Leonardo DiCaprio as Gatsby, Carey Mulligan as Daisy, and Tobey Maguire as Nick Caraway.

The chemistry among the three leads is apparent, and the film is visually spectacular, from the costumes to the gorgeous sets. The speech patterns of the era- “old sport” and “row”- are used frequently and seem authentic.

Many complained about the mixing of modern rap music with a film set in the 1920s, which does sound strange on paper, but I enjoyed that aspect of it and feel it gave a contemporary edge to the film.

There are slight adjustments from the novel, but I thought it was a very successful transition to the big screen.

Oscar Nominations: 2 wins-Best Production Design (won), Best Costume Design (won)

2012 Films, Alcoholism, Drama, Independent, Independent Drama, Romantic Drama, Social Issues

Smashed-2012

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Smashed-2012

Director James Ponsoldt

Starring Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Aaron Paul

Scott’s Review #139

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Reviewed July 28, 2014

Grade: B

Smashed is an independent film from 2012 and a showcase for Mary Elizabeth Winstead, who impressed me enormously as an actress.

She gives a fantastic portrayal of a twenty-something elementary school teacher who has alcoholism.

Known for either crappy or supporting roles (or both) in bombs like The Thing (2011) and Live Free or Die Hard (2007), Winstead comes into her own and is the main reason to see the film.

I am always amazed when an actor who hasn’t been given great material to shine finally goes indie and takes a risk.

Aaron Paul plays her husband, who also has alcoholism.

They both love music and partying. When she decides to sober up, conflict emerges in their marriage.

Despite the subject matter of alcoholism, the film is not a downer. It borders on a romantic comedy, with drama thrown in, and isn’t depressing.

My one criticism would be that the side effects of alcoholism are glossed over. There is not much grittiness in the film-she becomes an alcoholic, struggles a bit, and recovers, almost television movie-like.

The film doesn’t show the true, horrific battles.

Octavia Spencer and Megan Mullally appear in small roles.

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: Best Female Lead-Mary Elizabeth Winstead

2012 Films, Drama, French, Independent, Independent Drama, International, International Drama, Romantic Drama

Rust and Bone-2012

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Rust and Bone-2012

Director Jacques Audiard

Starring Marion Cotillard, Matthias Schoenaerts

Scott’s Review #137

Reviewed July 26, 2014

Grade: B+

Rust and Bone (2012) is a French-language film that tells the difficult love story of a successful, cultured whale trainer (Stephanie) who is seriously injured in an accident and left without legs.

She has an unlikely romance with an unemployed former boxer (Ali), who leads a troubled life providing for his young son.

Marion Cotillard and Matthias Schoenaerts give outstanding performances as the two leads.

Their powerhouse performances are the main reason to watch this film. They are amazingly convincing, and Cotillard’s performance alone is astonishing.

Cotillard, who has already won an Oscar for La Vie En Rose (2007), is one of the best younger actresses around, and Schoenaerts showed great promise in 2011’s Bullhead.

The film is character-driven as both leads have difficult, challenge-filled existences. Ali attempts to return to boxing, and Stephanie attempts to cope with life after losing limbs.

Together they slowly bond and a love story blossoms.

Slow-paced, realistic, and complex, the relationship between the two is at the heart of the film.

The one negative I found is that the story meanders into several different plots, some even unnecessary to the main story, so much so that it becomes unclear what the main story is supposed to be.

This results in an uneven viewing experience.

Still, beyond that flaw, Rust and Bone (2012) is well worth the price of admission for its superb acting and wonderful love story.

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: Best International Film

2012 Films, Drama, Historical Drama, Period Drama, Romantic Drama

Anna Karenina-2012

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Anna Karenina-2012

Director Joe Wright

Starring Keira Knightley, Jude Law

Scott’s Review #126

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Reviewed July 22, 2014

Grade: B+

Anna Karenina (2012) is the film adaptation of Leo Tolstoy’s classic novel.

Shamefully, I hadn’t read the novel, but I was familiar with the story, so I wasn’t sure how successful the transition from novel to film would be.

The transition proved to be quite successful, as it would turn out.

Being a fan of director Joe Wright, who did wonderful work directing Atonement in 2007, I consider him a master of costumed period pieces, and Anna Karenina is no different in that regard.

It differs, however, in how it is shot. The film is non-traditional, shot with jarring, quick camera movements interspersed with musical numbers.

It resembles Moulin Rouge (2001) in style and isn’t for everyone’s tastes. I enjoy this technique, and combined with the wonderful art direction/costumes, it makes for modern, unique storytelling.

Keira Knightley is adequate as Anna, but nothing special. I have to wonder if she was cast simply because she is typically the lead in Joe Wright films.

It is a tragedy, of course, and a tale of a lonely, love-torn young woman conflicted between two high-class men.

On a broader scale, it’s a story of the romantic entanglements of the high-class world and their trials and tribulations, centering on Anna.

The film’s look impressed me more than the story did.

Oscar Nominations: 1 win-Best Original Score, Best Production Design, Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design (won)

2012 Films, Belgian, Drama, Independent, Independent Drama, International, International Drama, Romantic Drama

The Broken Circle Breakdown-2012

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The Broken Circle Breakdown-2012

Director Felix Van Groeningen

Starring Veerle Baetens, Johan Heldenbergh

Scott’s Review #91

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Reviewed July 3, 2014

Grade: B+

The Broken Circle Breakdown is a 2012 Belgian film nominated for the Best Foreign Language Oscar.

It tells a dark story of a couple with very different religious beliefs- one atheist, the other a devout catholic- whose six-year-old daughter is battling cancer.

Their differences escalate over time as life circumstances change.

The film begins in 2006 but constantly goes back and forth in time from when the couple meets and falls in love and begins performing in a bluegrass band together to their current dire situation in the present.

This is a clever aspect of the film.

It is far from a by-the-numbers happy-couple-with-sick-daughter type of film. It is much deeper than that and quite depressing and dreary overall.

The pain and hardships this family goes through are heart-wrenching, especially as the film focuses on the happy time in their lives to contrast the pain.

In the second half, the film explores politics and religion, including the then-controversial (2002) topic of stem cell research.

As dark as this film is to watch, it is also important because it steps outside the box and tackles difficult subject matter.

I wish more films would do the same.

Oscar Nominations: Best Foreign Language Film

2013 Films, Comedy, Drama, Independent, Independent Comedy, Independent Drama, Romantic Comedy, Romantic Drama

Enough Said-2013

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Enough Said-2013

Director Nicole Holofcener

Starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus, James Gandolfini

Scott’s Review #71

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Reviewed June 25, 2014

Grade: B+

Enough Said (2013) is a surprisingly well-written, small indie romantic comedy and, sadly, James Gandolfini’s (TV’s The Sopranos) final film performance.

The film stars Julia Louis-Dreyfus as a down-to-earth massage therapist who meets her odd match (Gandolfini) at a party.

They slowly begin dating, and some interesting misunderstandings ensue.

The seemingly odd couple fall in love and form a special bond over time. Both struggle to overcome past relationships and trust someone again, making them vulnerable and compelling characters.

They strive to be happy but are not quite there yet.

I found the dialogue very sharp and witty, and Dreyfus is perfectly cast in this film. She and Gandolfini have enormous chemistry, and the film is not contrived in the least, as many romantic comedies are.

The film feels like a West Coast Woody Allen film from a female perspective with many neurotic, flawed characters.

I enjoyed it immensely.

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: Best Supporting Male-James Gandolfini, Best Screenplay

1977 Films, Best Picture Oscar Winners, Comedy, Drama, Los Angeles, New York City, Romantic Comedy, Romantic Drama, Satire

Annie Hall-1977

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Annie Hall-1977

Director Woody Allen

Starring Woody Allen, Diane Keaton

Scott’s Review #48

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Reviewed June 19, 2014

Grade: A

Annie Hall (1978) is one of Woody Allen’s finest works, and that says something as his list of wonderful films goes on and on; Manhattan, Blue Jasmine, and Interiors are gems.

Annie Hall is a witty, intelligent, great comedy. It is sharply written, quirky, and neurotic all rolled into one.

Comedy is a tough genre. Romantic comedies are even tougher to get right.

My favorite part of the film is Woody Allen himself. Some might say he plays himself, but he is engagingly hysterical as the neurotic, skeptical, Jewish, cynical New York man named Alvy.

He meets and falls in love with equally neurotic Annie Hall, played by Diane Keaton.

They quarrel, love, and travel from New York to California and back.

The film has some very funny scenes (lobster, movie theater line, and the drive-through Manhattan), and the intelligent, crisp dialogue makes it a top-notch comedy.

Oscar Nominations: 4 wins-Best Picture (won), Best Director-Woody Allen (won), Best Actor-Woody Allen, Best Actress-Diane Keaton (won), Best Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen Based on Factual Material or Story Material Not Previously Published or Produced (won)

Golden Globe Nominations: 1 win-Best Picture-Comedy or Musical, Best Director-Woody Allen, Best Actor-Comedy or Musical-Woody Allen, Best Actress-Comedy or Musical-Diane Keaton (won), Best Screenplay

2013 Films, Comedy, Drama, Independent, Independent Comedy, Independent Drama, Independent Romantic Comedy, Romantic Comedy, Romantic Drama

Don Jon-2013

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Don Jon-2013

Director Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Scarlett Johansson, Julianne Moore

Scott’s Review #27

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Reviewed June 17, 2014

Grade: B+

 I did not expect Don Jon (2013) to be as good as it is.

Frankly, I was expecting a by-the-numbers romantic comedy.

Written, directed by, and starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, it tells the story of a twenty-something New Jersey bartender who is addicted to porn despite receiving all the female attention he can imagine.

Scarlett Johansson and Julianne Moore play two completely different women in his life.

The film contains stereotypical, though hilarious and spot-on, New Jersey trademarks. Tony Danza is effective as the brash father.

In the last thirty minutes, the film turns into a wonderful, yet hardly sappy or traditional, love story that makes Don Jon (2013) a positive experience.

Gordon-Levitt is a breath of fresh air and a young Hollywood talent getting the recognition he deserves.

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: Best First Screenplay

2012 Films, Independent, Independent Drama, LGBTQ+ Drama, LGBTQ+ Films, Romantic Drama

Four-2012

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Four-2012

Director Joshua Sanchez

Starring Wendell Pierce

Scott’s Review #20

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Reviewed June 17, 2014

Grade: A

Oh, how I wish more films like Four (2012) got mainstream support.

Movies like this are why I love and support independent films. Much better than much of the drivel at the local multiplex.

Four is a purely character-driven movie, not plot-driven, with silly special effects or CGI.

It centers around four people on the 4th of July evening.

The movie has two separate stories, and its heart is the characters’ loneliness, isolation, and need to reach out for human connection.

The stories interrelate at times throughout the film.

Exceptional acting is involved.

Four (2012) is an excellent little film.

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: Best Male Lead-Wendell Pierce

1960 Films, Best Picture Oscar Winners, Best Picture-Comedy or Musical Golden Globe Winners, Comedy, Drama, New York City, Romantic Comedy, Romantic Drama

The Apartment-1960

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The Apartment-1960

Director Billy Wilder

Starring Jack Lemmon, Shirley MacLaine

Scott’s Review #7

Reviewed June 17, 2014

Grade: A-

The Apartment (1960) is another gem by Billy Wilder (Sunset Boulevard-1950, The Lost Weekend-1946).

This one is set in 1959 New York City, a setting and period I adore.

The black-and-white images effectively portray the loneliness and bleakness of the characters, who are all friendless, sad, and starved for love.

It questions social morality and getting ahead in the corporate world but goes from drama to romantic comedy with no sappiness.

Quite the contrary, as the film has dark moments of despair and angst.

The film influenced the television series “Mad Men”. As with most Billy Wilder films, there is a darkness of humanity, which is fascinating to watch.

Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine are terrific, but their chemistry is lacking. Despite this, the film is still excellent.

The Apartment (1960) won the Best Picture Oscar.

Oscar Nominations: 5 wins-Best Motion Picture (won), Best Director-Billy Wilder (won), Best Actor-Jack Lemmon, Best Actress-Shirley MacLaine, Best Supporting Actor-Jack Kruschen, Best Story and Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen (won), Best Sound, Best Art Direction, Black-and-White (won), Best Cinematography, Black-and-White, Best Film Editing (won)

Golden Globe Nominations: 3 wins-Best Picture-Comedy (won), Best Director-Billy Wilder, Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture-Musical or Comedy-Jack Lemmon (won), Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role-Musical or Comedy-Shirley MacLaine (won)